Illinois Briefs - 9/2/11

Quinn Still Holding ComEd Bill

(Springfield, IL)  --  Governor Quinn vowed to veto the controversial ComEd bill as soon as it hit his desk.  He received that bill Monday but has yet to act on the proposal to allow Ameren and ComEd to raise rates for their customers.  Supporters of the bill are confident that the legislature will override Quinn's veto, even though the bill didn't pass either chamber with a veto proof majority.

Former State Representative Jay Hoffman Running For Congress

(Springfield, IL)  --  Former state representative Jay Hoffman is eying a Congressional seat.  He's expected to file paperwork sometime today for a run in the new 13th Congressional district.  Hoffman says he's, quote, "disgusted with Congress's failure to get things done."  He says people in "Central and Southwestern Illinois need a voice in Washington that will work in a bi-partisan fashion to find common-sense solutions to put people back to work."  Hoffman will start making his rounds across the district to meet people and talk rebuilding the economy.   He'll make an official announcement before the end of the month.

Jacksonville Soldier Funeral

(Jacksonville, IL)  --  Funeral services are set for a Jacksonville soldier who was killed in Afghanistan.  Army Sergeant Andrew Tobin was serving his second tour of duty in Afghanistan when his unit was attacked by insurgents last week.  A visitation is scheduled for Sunday afternoon from 3 until 6 p.m.  A funeral will be on held Monday at 11 a.m.  Both will be at Buchanan and Cody Funeral home in Jacksonville.

Williamson County Deputy Arrested

(Marion, IL)  --  A Williamson County deputy is in trouble with the law.  State police arrested Caleb Craft yesterday and accused him of stealing marijuana from the evidence department.  He then allegedly gave the drug to someone else to sell.  Craft is being held in the Jackson County jail, charged with theft, drug possession and official misconduct.  He's been a Williamson County deputy for three years.  The sheriff says his department will start disciplinary action after formal charges are filed against Craft.

Recall On Pourable Fuel Gels

(Springfield, IL)  --  Nine manufacturers are recalling their pourable fuel gels for decorative firepots.  The move comes after Attorney General Lisa Madigan called for a ban on the products, comparing the gel to napalm because of how difficult it is to extinguish.  The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission says at least 65 people across the nation have been burned by the gels, two of those resulted in death.  The companies that have issued voluntary recalls are Bird Brain Incorporated, Bond Manufacturing, Sunjel Company, Fuel Barons Incorporated, Lamplight Farms Incorporated, Luminosities Incorporated, Pacific Décor Limited, Real Flame, and Smart Solar Incorporated.  Stores that sell those products have been urged to stop sales and to immediately remove the pourable fuel gels from their shelves.

Nicor Offers Gas Restoration To Customers Behind On Bills

(Ottawa, IL)  --  Nicor Gas customers struggling to make ends meet can get their service turned on in time for winter.  The company's Reconnect program allows people to pay just one third of their past due bill before service is reconnected.  The balance will be put on a payment plan.  Those needing assistance are encouraged to call (800) 310-0566 for more details.

It's National Ovarian Cancer Month

(Springfield, IL)  --  It's National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month and the Illinois Department of Public Health hopes to increase awareness to all women about the symptoms, risk factors, diagnosis, and treatment of ovarian cancer.  A woman's risk of getting ovarian cancer is one in 67, while the risk of dying is one in 95.  Health officials say many women with ovarian cancer do not experience any symptoms, which makes it difficult to detect, plus the cancer is often in an advanced stage when it's diagnosed.  Early detection is the key to survival.